Hey Little Rock! If you’ve been waiting for some nice weather, you’re in luck—this weekend looks perfect for outdoor plans. But, as always with Arkansas weather, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Starting Sunday night, rain and thunderstorms are heading our way, and it looks like they’ll stick around through Monday. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your weekend and stay prepared for the stormy weather.
What’s Coming This Weekend
Let’s start with the good news: we’ve got some gorgeous weather coming our way through the weekend!
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Saturday, March 1: Expect plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures with highs around 64°F (18°C). If you’ve got any outdoor plans—like hiking, walking, or just hanging out in the park—Saturday is your day! But don’t forget, once the sun sets, it’ll cool off to around 31°F (-1°C), so you’ll want to bring a jacket if you’re out after dark.
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Sunday, March 2: More sunshine in the morning, but by the afternoon, clouds will start rolling in. Highs will be around 52°F (11°C), and by night, we’ll dip down to around 29°F (-2°C). It’s a little cooler than Saturday, so you might want to layer up if you’re heading outside. Enjoy the day because once the sun goes down, the weather is about to change!
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Monday, March 3: The clouds will stick around with highs around 61°F (16°C) and lows near 45°F (7°C) at night. This will be the calm before the storm, so Monday’s a good day to get outside and get things done before the rain arrives.
Tuesday, March 4: Storms Head Our Way
Here’s where things change. Tuesday night, we’re expecting a storm system to roll in, bringing rain, thunderstorms, and the possibility of severe weather.
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Rain and Thunderstorms: Late Tuesday evening, the rain will start, and the storms will pick up as the night goes on. We’re expecting heavy rain and thunderstorms, so if you’ve got any evening plans, make sure you’re ready for a wet night. The storms are expected to bring up to 2 inches of rain in some areas, and it could be pretty gusty with those strong winds.
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Severe Weather: There’s a risk of severe storms, including damaging winds and possibly isolated tornadoes. The Storm Prediction Center is keeping an eye on this, so it’s a good idea to stay updated throughout the evening and make sure you’re prepared in case the storm gets stronger.
How to Prepare for the Storm
While we’re all enjoying the beautiful weekend weather, it’s important to get ready for the storms headed our way on Tuesday night. Here’s how to stay safe:
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Stay Informed: Keep an eye on the weather. If you have any evening plans, check your local news or weather apps for updates. The storms can change quickly, so it’s best to be ready for anything. If you’re not at home, make sure your phone is charged and you’ve got the weather alerts turned on.
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Secure Outdoor Items: With strong winds expected, make sure any outdoor furniture, trash cans, or other loose items are secured or brought inside before the storm hits. It’s always safer to prepare than to have things blow around unexpectedly.
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Emergency Kit: Make sure you have the basics like flashlights, extra batteries, and a battery-powered weather radio. It’s a good idea to stock up on water and non-perishable food, just in case the storm causes any power outages.
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Know Your Safe Spot: If the storm gets intense, have a plan for where to go. The basement or an interior room on the lowest level of your house is usually the safest place to be. Stay away from windows, and make sure you have your emergency kit nearby.
What’s Next After the Storm?
Once Tuesday’s storm clears out, we can look forward to some calmer weather:
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Wednesday, March 5: The storm will move out, and we should have partly sunny skies with highs around 35°F (2°C). It will still be a bit chilly, but the worst of the weather will be behind us.
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Thursday and Beyond: As the week moves on, we’ll see more mild weather with highs in the 50s and 60s, so it’s going to feel a lot more like spring!
Enjoy the Sunshine, Prepare for the Storm
This weekend is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine before the storm hits. Take advantage of the great weather to tackle any outdoor tasks, or just spend time soaking up the sun. But when Tuesday night rolls around, be ready for some rain and storms, and stay prepared for any severe weather.
